September 1938

Dear Dad:

No opportunity to write you lately because we have sailed from Malta for the autumn cruise.

We are anchored in the north end of Vatika Bay, one of the two most-southerly points of Greece in South Morea.

Very mountainous and wooded - many vineyards - seems to be the principle industry. People seem very poor and very few inhabitants around here.

The weather is just right. Malta is a very unhealthy place to live on account of very damp, wet winds and heat. It causes a great deal of stomach trouble and softens the teeth. Actually, the Mediterranean is the worst for health of any station, including China. We have men being invalided home nearly every day. Pilots don't seem to suffer quite as much, but we have lost three in a month here through illness.

I received a letter from Uncle Ross just before I left on the cruise. H.M.S. Glorious sales out of Valletta and we left Hal Far in Squadron, then landed on tucked below or "struck down" in the official term.

Lea, one of the "A" chaps that came out with me, came in too fast, didn't catch the wires, and went over the side. He didn't hurt himself, but $50,000 lies on the bottom of the Mediterranean.

We are carrying out air exercises quite often and will call in Alexandria, Egypt before returning to Malta, unless something breaks.

I have a very smart Nimrod and have taken a great liking to it. It actually looks quite like a Fury. I dare you to show me the difference except we have two spats on the wheels.

I am getting a good collection of pictures showing fleet air arm work which I will send you soon. Have some wizard ones of formation flying etc.

I am going ashore for a walk this afternoon. We have very fast boats, and one leaves at 3:45 for shore, so I'll go along.

I hope the whole family are well. You should see me in naval whites (quite fetching you know!!).

I am playing a lot of bridge and learning quickly.

Love Bill